Date: Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:28:06 -0500
From: bigmoh@post.com
Subject: The_Reluctant_Mentor_Part_3_of_3

THE RELUCTANT MENTOR

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Todd had never admitted being gay to other students.  His
reputation from his former school followed him, however, and
nearly everyone knew he was gay.  He hadn't denied it; that would
be futile and dishonest.  As a result, he was the frequent target of
derision and insults, which he had learned to ignore.  The other
students' opinion of Stu was different.  They simply regarded him
as an oddball because of his outspoken opinions, especially about
irrational ideas and behavior that had been molded by peer
pressure or status-seeking.  He was not the victim of insults; he
was simply ignored and was viewed as an eccentric but harmless
nonconformist.  The two teens, for different reasons, were loners so
no one thought it strange that they palled around together during
the school year.  As the school year drew to a close, however,
other students noticed that Todd and Stu were together much more
than usual.  They arrived together in Todd's car.  They ate lunch
together.  The left school together in Todd's car.  Most tellingly,
however, were the subtle signs of bonding -- their smiles, their
lingering eye contact, and their hushed conversations at lunch and
in the hallway between classes.  Rumors and innuendos took root
and spread faster than kudzu.*
     (* An invasive vine that grows very rapidly in the southeastern
United States.)

A flash-point occurred at the end of a school day when Todd and
Stu walked out the front door of the school joking and laughing.
They paid little attention to the two groups of boys assembled on
either side of the doorway until the groups merged and surrounded
them.  Surprise was quickly replaced by anxiety as Todd and Stu
saw the menacing expressions on the faces of the eight or nine
boys, all of whom they recognized -- preppies, jocks, and
wannabes.  Memories of his beating at his former school paralyzed
Todd but Stu kept his wits about him.  Standing resolutely in place,
he said in a firm tone but with remarkable calm, "If you goons will
step aside, we'll be on our way."

"Not until we deliver a message, weirdo," snarled Jacob, the
school's football quarterback.  He was only a Junior but was the
team captain.  Directing his next comment to Todd, he continued,
"Listen, fag-boy!  We don't want you messing around with anybody.
Don't think for a minute that you can drag anybody down to your
level, even if he's a weirdo like this shit-hole you're with.  You're
nothing but a sicko queer and we won't let you infect others.  Do I
make myself clear, you perverted fag?"

Stu was incensed.  Standing to his full height of five feet, six inches
and looking up at the six foot something football jock, he shot back,
"If anybody is infecting others, ass-hole, it's you.  Look around you.
If you had a fuckin' brain, you'd know that you and idiots like you
have infected these guys with your cancerous bigotry.  That's far
worse than being a gay who's never bothered any of you.  Todd
minds his own business and you should, too.  If anybody is a sicko,
it's you and your henchmen.  It's your perverted attitude that makes
you thoroughly contemptible.  Now, if you'll step aside, we'll be on
our way."

The jock's face reddened in anger.  His intimidation had backfired
and, worst of all, it had happened in front of all his hangers-on.  He
felt (quite irrationally, of course) that his manhood had been
challenged and that he had to defend it in the only way he knew
how.  He grabbed the front of Stu's shirt, lifted him almost off the
ground, and spat out a warning.  "Stay away from the fag-boy!  Let
him rot in Hell alone.  If you don't, I will personally beat the living
shit out of you.  I'd do that to your fairy friend, too, except I might
get AIDS from his sissy blood."

Stu's adrenaline was pumping, which explains his next, very
uncharacteristic action.  He raised his knee quickly and forcefully
into the jock's groin.  The pain must have been excruciating
because the blow to his balls caused him to scream and drop to the
ground.  Doubled up and clutching his groin, he moaned pitifully.
His cohorts knelt down around him.  Todd grabbed Stu's arm,
pulled him toward the parking lot, and said, "Let's get out of here!"

They ran about 20 yards but heard the moans interrupted by a
command from the suffering jock, "Get the little bastards!"
Obediently, the gang of boys ran after Todd and Stu like a pack of
attack dogs responding to their master's command.  They made it
to Todd's car just as he was pulling out of his parking place.  It was
too late for them to do anything but curse and return to their
suffering ring-leader.

Another student who had witnessed the incident rushed back inside
the building to summon help.  She found a teacher leaving his
classroom and exclaimed, "There's been a fight outside.
Somebody's hurt."

The history teacher rushed outside to find dozens of students
gathered around the school's star quarterback, Jacob Klein, who
was writhing on the ground and moaning.  He forced his way to the
injured student, knelt down, and asked, "What happened?  Are you
all right?"

"Some fucker kicked me in the nuts," the boy said.

Ignoring the profanity, the teacher barked over his shoulder,
"Somebody go to the office.  Tell them we need an ambulance."

"NO!" the football player screamed.  "I don't need no fucking
ambulance!"

"You have no choice," the teacher said.  "You were injured on
school property and it's standard procedure to see that you get
medical attention.  Who did this to you?"

Jacob was ashamed to admit that it was a smaller boy who
delivered the crippling blow and very afraid of revealing why it
happened.  "I don't know," he said.  "And I'm not saying any more.
Gimme me a minute and I'll be all right."  He then struggled to his
feet and started to hobble away, followed by his pack of loyalists.

"Wait!" the teacher called to him.  "You have to be checked out by
the medical squad."

"Wrong!" the boy called over his shoulder.  "I'm leaving."

The teacher directed a question to the crowd.  "Did anyone see
what happened?"

A pert girl was the only one who answered.  "I didn't see how he got
hurt but Todd Peterson and Stuart Brown ran away.  Those guys
..." pointing to Jacob's friends in the distance "...chased after them
until they drove off -- I think in Todd's car."

"Come on," the teacher said to the crowd of students.  "Somebody
must have seen what happened?  Who did it?"

To a one, they claimed not to have seen what happened.

The teacher, frustrated by the obvious lies but realizing that further
interrogation would be futile, turned to one of his students and said,
"Jerry, go to the gym.  Find coach Latimar.  Tell him his quarterback
has been injured.  Have him meet me in the principal's office right
away."


Todd and Stu arrived home and went immediately to their room
where they discussed the confrontation and the possible outcomes.

"You were terribly courageous standing up to that bully," Todd said.
"The swift kick in the nuts was just what he deserved but I'm afraid
he'll be out to get you now."

"I know," Stu replied, unable to conceal his concern.  "He's got a
score to settle now and he has to do something if only to maintain
his alpha-dog role with his gang of goons."

"You know," Todd began thoughtfully, "I can ignore insults.  They're
just rantings of fools.  But now I'm worried about you.  Jacob is not
only a fool; he's a vicious, vindictive fool."

"Don't worry," Stu replied as he put on his game face.  "We'll just
mind our own business, keep our eyes open, and avoid situations
where the ass hole would have a chance to get back at me."

Todd was not convinced that Stu was actually so stoical about the
danger and said, "Do you think we ought to tell my parents ... or the
school?  They might have some ideas on how to protect you."

"NO!" Stu exclaimed.  "That would upset your parents and what
could the school do, anyway?"

"Okay," Todd grudgingly agreed.  "But I'm going to watch your
back.  Before and after school, I'll be right there with you."

"Sure," Stu said sarcastically.  "Then he'd beat you up, too."

"Listen.  I want to say something important.  Believe it `cause it's
true.  You're the best thing that's happened to me.  I want nothing
more than to be with you ... forever.  That means through thick and
thin.  We both know it's tough to be gay.  But it's important that we
face problems together.  We've got a problem now.  It's not your
problem; it's our problem.  I know you're fiercely independent but let
me be there with you.  Let's face this together."

Stu was deeply moved by the extreme sincerity in his lover's tone
and facial expression.  He seized Todd in a firm embrace and said,
"What have I done to deserve you?  You rescued me from my Dad.
You took me into your life ... into your home.  And your parents
have treated me wonderfully.  Now you say that you want to be with
me forever.  When am I going to wake up and find it's all just a
dream?"

"It's no dream, Stu.  You and I -- two misfits -- are together.  And
we'll stay together no matter what."


Meanwhile, the altercation at school was the topic of a discussion in
the principal's office.  The principal, Mr. Davidson, convened a
meeting with Coach Latimar, the teacher who tried to get medical
help, and Mr. Perry, the guidance counselor.  They reviewed the
incident, including what was known about Stu, Todd, and Jacob but
could reach no conclusions about how the fracas started or who did
what to whom.  The principal summoned the school secretary into
the closed-door meeting and said, "One of the security cameras
cover outside the front entrance.  Would you please get the tape
and bring it in here?"

She left to retrieve the video tape.  Moments later, she returned
with the tape, which the principal inserted into a VCR and pressed
the rewind and play buttons.  The quality of the picture was poor
but adequate to reveal that Jacob had initiated the physical contact
and that Stu had delivered the knee to the groin.  There was no
audio on the tape but it seemed clear that eight boys responded to
Jacob's command when they ran after the fleeing teens.

The principal was visibly upset by what they had seen.  There were
several moments of silence before the principal said, "I'd like to
handle this without outside intervention or publicity ... unless it
becomes absolutely necessary.  We know what happened but we
don't know why."  Turning to counselor Perry, he said, "I'm going to
call all three boys into my office during home room tomorrow
morning; I'd like you to be there."

"Would it be better to talk to them individually?" asked the
counselor.

"Perhaps," the principal allowed.  "But this is not -- yet -- a criminal
interrogation.  I'd like to gauge the reaction of the others when each
one gives his account of the incident.  You can help me do that."


That evening at supper, Todd and Stu were unusually quiet.
Todd's mother noticed the somber mood and said, "You're awfully
quiet.  Is something bothering you?"

The boys gave each other a quick glance and Todd said, "Yes ...
but nothing serious."

"Want to talk about it?" she probed.

"Not now.  Don't worry.  Stu and I are okay."

"Well," she said. "You know we're here if we can help."

Later, as the teens got ready for bed, Stu said, "I'm glad you didn't
tell your parents about the fight.  It would only upset them if they
knew."

"Yeah," Todd said.  "But they'll be even more upset if something
happens to you ... or to us ... and I didn't tell them what happened
today.  I've always been able to talk to them and I don't feel good
about keeping things from them."

As they crawled into bed, Stu said, "Let's forget about today.  And
not worry about tomorrow.  Let's enjoy the here and now."  Todd
felt Stu's hand fondle his cock, which dispelled any doubt as to
what Stu wanted -- more than that: what he needed -- and Todd
was especially tender and loving as he brought his boyfriend to
climax.


Todd and Stu were cautious and watchful as they arrived at school
the next morning but Jacob nor any of his cohorts were to be seen.
Their anxiety rose when their respective home-room teachers told
them they were to report to the principal's office immediately.  Their
anxiety levels increased significantly when they saw Jacob already
there.

"Come in," the principal said warmly.  "Have a seat, please.  Thank
you for coming.  I suppose you know what it's about.  We know
what happened after school yesterday.  But we don't know why.
I'm hoping you can tell us."  No one spoke for several awkward
moments but all three students were visibly nervous.  "Come on,
boys.  Each of you was there.  What happened and why?"  Still, no
one spoke.  "Okay then, I suppose I'll have to call on you one at a
time.  Jacob, it seems you started it all.  Why did you grab Stuart?"

The macho jock squirmed, shocked that the principal knew that he
was the first aggressor.  He made his first foolish mistake when he
denied it.  "I didn't!  Whoever told you that is a damn liar!"

Very calmly, the principal said, "Apparently you don't know ... or
forgot ... that we have a video surveillance system here.  Would you
like to see the video tape?"

Jacob knew he had been cornered and tried a back up strategy, a
second mistake.  "Okay.  But that little weirdo there..." pointing to
Stu "...kicked me in the balls!  He's the one you should be going
after!"

"In due time," the principal said struggling to maintain his calm.
"Right now, I'd like you to tell me why you grabbed him.  And
please do it without profanity or insults."

"Insults?  Talk about insults!"  The defiant anger in Jacob's voice
and demeanor was palpable.  "That's why I did it.  The little squirt
called me an idiot and an ass hole.  I grabbed him to get his
attention.  Nobody insults me like that!  I was just trying to make my
point clear."

The principal turned to Stu and asked, "Did you say those things,
Stuart?"

"Yes, sir.  And you probably want to know why.  He had just said far
worse to Todd ... about his being gay.  I'd prefer not to repeat the
filthy things he said but it made me furious.  I told him that he was
the one who was sick because of his bigotry and spreading that
bigotry to his friends.  That's when he grabbed me and threatened
me.  He said he would beat the ... ah ... beat the crap out of me if I
remained friends with Todd.  To get loose from his grip on me, I
kicked him.  Hard.  That was wrong and I apologize.  Todd and I
ran away.  As we ran, I heard him tell his friends to ... pardon me
but I have to quote now ... he called out, `get the little bastards'.
They all chased us but we got away."

The principal turned to Todd and asked, "Have you anything to
add?"

"Yes, sir.  I'm sorry Jacob got hurt but I'm not at all sorry that Stu
stood up to him.  Mr. Perry here told me once that I should have the
courage to change things I can.  My courage failed me when I was
surrounded by hateful guys but Stu stood up to them.  I'm grateful
to him for that."

"Okay," the principle said.  "Do any of you have more to add before
I make a decision on possible punishment?"  No one did.  So the
principal said, "Return to your classes.  We're well into the first
period so the secretary will write each of you an admission slip.  I
want Jacob and Stuart to report to my office immediately after the
final bell today.  And my thanks to each of you for your information."

The three boys left the office.  While waiting for their admission
slips, Jacob glared at Stu and whispered, "You'll get yours, weirdo."


After school, Stu and Jacob were sitting in the principal's outer
office, while Todd waited in the hallway outside.  Jacob hid his
nervousness behind a façade of bravado.  Stu was also nervous as
he speculated on the punishment that the principal would
undoubtedly administer.  His nervousness only increased to
anxiety, however, when Jacob glared at him and whispered, "I'm
going to get even with you, weirdo."

The principal came out of his office and said he wanted to see
Jacob first.  The jock rose and followed the principal, who closed
the door.  "Jacob," the principal began.  "I've considered what
happened and what you did.  I acknowledge that you were injured
but you initiated the altercation by your verbal abuse, by grabbing
Stuart, and by threatening him.  The verbal abuse is enough to
warrant a suspension.  The intimidation and the threat magnifies
the seriousness of your behavior.  None of this you deny.  I am
suspending you from school for five days beginning tomorrow.  I will
be contacting your parents to explain why you are suspended.  I
must emphasize, Jacob, that the sort of overt bigotry that motivated
your actions is intolerable here at school.  I can't change your
attitude but I'm obligated to warn you that any repeat of
discrimination and persecution of others, whether it's because of
race, ethnic heritage, or sexual orientation will result in severe
consequences."

"Five days!" Jacob exclaimed.  "I'll miss final exams."

"I realize that," the principal said unsympathetically.  "I will notify
your teachers of your suspension.  It will be up to them to decide
whether or not to allow you to take the exams following your
suspension.  If they don't, you may not be able to graduate with
your class."

"That stinks!" Jacob moaned.  "It's not fair!  I was only defending
moral values.  And I was the one who was injured when the little
fucker kicked me in the balls.

"I sympathize with you because of the pain you suffered.  But you
must accept the fact that you're free to practice your `moral
principles' as you see fit.  That does NOT include imposing them on
others and most certainly does not give you license to intimidate or
threaten others who do not share your values.  That will be all.  Ask
Stuart to come in as you leave."

Jacob stalked out.  As he passed Stu in the outer office, he quietly
snarled at him, "You're dead meat, ass hole!"

Stu entered the principal's office, having prepared himself for the
worst.  Nervous to the point of trembling he sat down as the
principal requested.

"Stuart, your action -- injuring another student on school property --
is automatic grounds for expulsion."  Stu's heart sank.  "However,
I've considered the context of your behavior.  First, you admitted it
and, moreover, apologized.  Secondly, you were responding to
verbal abuse of Todd.  Significantly, you were being intimidated and
threatened.  It's fairly clear that you acted in self defense ... over-
reacted perhaps but given the disparity in size of you and Jacob,
it's understandable if not excusable.  Because of the mitigating
circumstances, I'm going to override the automatic expulsion.
Instead, you will serve one day's detention on Saturday.  Report to
the school library from eight until noon Saturday morning.  While
there, you're free to do homework if you have any but I also want
you to spend some time researching anger management on the
Internet.  Take notes.  I don't expect a written report but I want to
see you next week sometime to tell me what you learned from the
experience and from your research on anger management.  Just
one more thing.  I will be contacting your parents to explain why
you're serving detention."

"That'll be a problem," Stu said hesitantly.

"And the problem is?"

Ashamed of the full story, Stu replied simply, "I don't live at home
anymore.  I'm living with Todd's parents."

"And why is that?"

"My Dad and I had an argument.  I left home and he doesn't want
me to come back.  Ever."

"Never?  What on earth made him say that?"

"I'd rather not say, sir.  I'll just say that Todd's parents have been
very gracious in allowing me to stay with them.  If you must contact
anyone, call Todd's parents since they've become, in effect, my
new parents."

"Most unusual," the principal said.  "There's obviously more to the
story than you're willing to share but I won't probe.  I will, however,
contact Todd's parents if only to ensure that you have a secure
home."

"May I ask a favor, sir?"

"Of course."

"Don't call until tomorrow.  You see, Todd and I haven't told them
yet about what happened yesterday because they'd be upset and
worried.  We'd like a chance to explain everything tonight.  They'd
be even more upset if they heard it from you first."

"Agreed," the principal said.  "That will be all for now.  Thanks for
coming in."

The punishment had been mild and Stu left the office feeling much
better.  He gave Todd a broad grin in the hallway.  Walking to
Todd's car, he related what the principal had said.

"What about Jacob?" Todd asked.

"I don't know, Todd.  The principal couldn't talk about it, of course,
and Jacob just snarled at me when he left."

"So what did he say to you?"

"Not much ... just that I'm dead meat.  But don't worry.  I'll be
careful.  Besides, school is almost out for the summer and then we
won't have to worry."

"I wish I could be sure of that," Todd said ruefully.


CHAPTER TWELVE

Todd and Stu agreed that they would wait until after supper that evening
to tell Todd's parents about the fight after school and the meetings with
the principal.  The also agreed to be cheerful throughout the meal,
unlike their somber mood the night before.  They didn't want to spoil
the `family time' together.  When the meal had been cleared away,
Todd said, "Mom, Dad, can Stu and I talk to you for a few minutes?"

"Sure, son," his father said.  "What's up?"

They settled in the living room with the boys on the sofa and the adults
in facing arm chairs.  By previous agreement, Todd let Stu tell of the
confrontation the previous day and the discussions with the principal.
Todd's parents were shocked by Jacob's threat, surprised at Stu's
aggressive reaction, and extremely concerned about Stu's safety.  Stu
told them they could expect a call from the principal and that he would
be spending Saturday morning in detention.  He concluded by saying,
"I'm sorry I've caused you trouble.  You've been more than kind to me
and look at the mess I'm making for you and Todd."

"Nonsense!" Mrs. Peterson said.  "We're happy that you've joined the
family.  Sure, we're worried about your safety now but you can count
on everyone here to help."

"I appreciate your support," Stu said.  "I'm sure I'll be all right.
There's only a couple of weeks of school left."

"I wish I could be as confident," Mr. Peterson said.  "From what you've
told us, I think Jacob is a real danger.  I think we'll have to figure out a
way to protect you from him."

Todd and his parents explored various ways to avert a potentially tragic
situation.  Throughout that discussion Stu, although he was more
worried than anyone, continued to insist that he would be all right.
Eventually, Todd proposed a plan.  "Jacob realizes now that he'll have
to avoid the video surveillance in and around the school building.  The
most dangerous times will be travelling to and from school and perhaps
in the parking lot.  I'll be with you then but maybe another set of eyes
can alert us to a possible ambush.  You're wondering whose eyes, right?
Here's my suggestion.  Mom and Dad will be at work but we could ask
Rick to drive us to and from school.  That would also eliminate the
possibility of Jacob and his goons vandalizing my car in the parking lot
while we're in class.  I'm sure Rick would be willing.  How about it?"

"No," Stu said.  "That would just be a problem for him.  It's bad enough
already that I've screwed up your lives.  I can take care of myself."

Mr. Peterson said, "First of all, Stu, you haven't screwed up our lives.
On the contrary, you've made Todd very happy.  And we're happy to
have you in the family.  Secondly, I doubt that you could defend
yourself against a gang of hoodlums who are out for blood.  Quite
frankly, I don't think you would be as lucky as you were yesterday.
Finally, I know for certain that Rick would be glad to help; he's that
kind of guy."

Todd and his mother echoed the encouragement until Stu finally
consented to the plan and the two boys left for Rick's condo to explain
the situation in person and to ask his help.  As Todd and his father
predicted, Rick agreed to drive the teens to and from school and to
watch for any signs of looming trouble along the way.  It wasn't what
he had in mind when he first decided to mentor a lonely teen but he
welcomed the chance to protect Todd and his boyfriend.  Being an
honorary `uncle' to two young men with promising futures was
extremely satisfying.

When the teens returned home and reported Rick's agreement, everyone
was relieved although still somewhat fearful of what might happen.
Todd and Stu then went to their room to -- as they claimed -- study for
their final exams.  Todd's parents suspected, however, that their son
would "comfort and reassure" his boyfriend in a tender and intimate
way.  They were proud of Todd for his compassion.  More than that,
they were genuinely pleased to have a `son-in-law' join the family.

Finally alone behind their closed bedroom door, they embraced, kissed
passionately, and put aside all thoughts of studying for final exams.  It
wasn't long before they were naked and in bed, lavishing affection on
each other until their steel-hard cocks seemed to plead for satisfaction.
The fear of Jacob's revenge vanished as their erotic love-making grew
more intense.  It was only after accepting, savoring, and swallowing
each other's creamy nectar and after cuddling together contentedly for a
long time that Stu thought once again of Jacob's threats.

"I'm sorry, Todd," he said.  "For causing problems for you and your
family."

"We've gone over this before, Stu.  One: it's not my family, it's our
family now.  Two: I admire you for standing up to that bigoted bully;
you did what I didn't have the guts to do.  Three: I know you are
fiercely independent but if we're going to be partners, we'll have to
share our problems as well as our affection for each other.  So please ...
don't be sorry.  And don't feel guilty.  As long as we have each other,
as long as we consider ourselves not two lovers but one loving couple,
we can overcome whatever problems we face."

"That's sweet, Todd.  I don't deserve you."

"Bull crap!" Todd exclaimed.  "You deserve all the admiration and love
I can possibly give you.  You're bright.  You're honest.  You're
courageous.  And sexy as hell!"

"And what did you mean," Stu asked, "when you said something about
us being partners?  Does that mean what I think it means?"

"Geez, Stu!  Do I have to spell it out?  `Partners' ... as in `couple' ...
living together and loving each other.  That is, if you'll have me around
for the next fifty or so years."

Stu began to tear up as he hugged his lover.  "I think you just proposed
to me, Todd."

"I did!" Todd said.  "Will you let me love, honor, and cherish you
forever?"

"YES!"


Rick drove Todd and Stu to school the next day without incident.  That,
together with learning that Jacob had been suspended, seemed to reduce
the teens' vigilance in watching for trouble when Rick picked them up
after school.  Rick, however, was more concerned than he showed and
his eyes nervously scanned everything around them as they drove away.
On the second day when Rick picked up the boys, they got in the car
laughing and joking.  Several blocks away from the school, Rick turned
onto the main road leading to the downtown area.

"Where are we going?" Todd asked.  "This is not the shortest route
home."

Rick suspected that a car full of boys was following them but he didn't
want to unnecessarily worry his charges so he said, "I need to pick up
something at the grocery store on the way home if you don't mind."
Two blocks later, he turned onto a side street.  "Oops," he said. "I
turned too soon."  He had not made a mistake; the suspicious car turned
to follow them.  He made two left turns to get back onto the main road;
the car behind continued to follow.  When he pulled into the strip mall
parking lot, the following car was not far behind.  Rick pulled up to the
curb in front of the grocery store, stopped, and watched his rear-view
mirror.

"What's going on?" Todd asked.  "Is something wrong?"

"I'm not sure," Rick replied.  "Don't look behind us but a car full of
boys followed us from school.  It may be Jacob and his friends.  Stu, I
want you to get out of the car and go into the store.  Act natural!  Don't
come out until Todd comes in to get you."

"You're not going to confront the bastards are you?" Stu asked.

"No.  They would just drive away and try it again later.  I want you to
go into the store now.  It will appear to them like you're just making a
quick purchase while we wait here."

"But what are you going to..." Stu objected.

"No time to explain, Stu.  Go!  Now!"

Stu went into the store while Rick dialed a number on his cell phone.

Moments later, a police car pulled up behind Rick's car.  The Officer, as
requested by Rick on the phone, came up to the driver's side window
and said, "Okay, sir.  What's the problem?"

"A car full of boys followed me from the school, through several turns.
I have reason to believe their intention is to carry out a threat they made
to my nephew over a grievance that happened a few days ago.  The
threat is credible and the physical injury to my nephew would be
severe."

"Is this your nephew?" the Officer asked, pointing to Todd.

"Yes, but I sent the nephew in jeopardy into the store to be safe.  Would
you do me the favor of walking back to their car and have a few words
with them?  They're in that blue Camaro."

"All right," the Officer agreed.  "But there's not much I can do unless
they've committed some offense."

"I recognize that, Officer.  But perhaps if they know you're aware of
their intentions, it can prevent them from attempting something serious.
Oh.  One more favor if you can manage it.  They're likely to drive off if
they see you approaching.  Is it possible to call for back up in case they
do?"

The Officer returned to his squad car to radio the dispatcher, getting a
surreptitious visual fix on the blue Camaro's location and occupants.
Moments later, he pulled away from the curb.

"He's leaving, Rick," Todd said urgently.  "Isn't he going to help?"

"Probably thought I was a paranoid crackpot," Rick sighed.

Meanwhile, in the Camaro, the boys argued.  Two wanted to leave as
soon as they saw the Police car arrive but the others successfully
convinced them that it was just a routine stop on a car parked in the fire
lane in front of the store.  When the Police car pulled away, they were
all relieved.  They could wait and resume their mission to find out
where Stu lived.  However, their hopes were shattered when the Police
car stopped in front of them, blocking their escape.  The Officer got out
of the cruiser and asked the Camaro's driver for his driver's license.

"What's the problem?" the driver asked.

"Your license, please," the Officer said curtly.

Grudgingly, the husky teen complied.

Seeing in the mirror that the car full of boys could not escape to
continue following them, Rick said emphatically to Todd, "Go get Stu!
We're leaving!"

The Officer took some time examining the driver's license and then
said, "Jacob Klien.  I'll remember that name.  Please wait in the car for
a few minutes, please."

"What'd he mean by that?" one of the passengers asked.  "Why's he
gotta remember your name?"

"Dunno," Jacob grunted.  "Just a fuckin' pig who thinks a badge makes
him important."

The Officer returned to the Camaro and said, "Can you tell me why
you're parked here?"

Jacob quickly thought of an excuse (He was skilled at that.).  "We're
waiting to meet somebody.  Is that a fuckin' crime?

"No, Mr. Jacob Klein.  But why did you take such a devious route to get
here?"

"I didn't!" Jacob exclaimed, habitually lying to get out of a jam.

"A witness said you did," the officer coolly replied.  "It's also been
reported that you followed another car here and that you may have
intended to harm one of more of its occupants."

"Goddamn lies!" Jacob shouted.

"Still, Mr. Jacob Klien..." (emphasizing the name again) "...I must file a
report.  To be complete, I'll need the name of each of your passengers.
In case something serious happens in the future, we'll know who to
contact in our investigation."

After writing down everyone's name, he said to Jacob, "Please step out
of the car, sir."

Pissed, arrogant, and belligerent, Jacob stepped out.

"There's an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in court on a
speeding violation.  Would you please get in the back of the cruiser?"

Jacob was stunned.  "You're taking me in just because of a chicken shit
speeding ticket?"

"Yes, sir.  Please get in the back of the cruiser."

"What about my car?  And my friends?  What are they supposed to do,
walk home?"

"Not my problem," the Officer said as he grabbed Jacob's arm and
pulled him toward the cruiser.  "You can make arrangements with your
friends or your family to retrieve your car."


Rick delivered Todd and Stu safely home and walked with them to the
Peterson's condo.  Once inside, he insisted on staying until Todd's
parents came home.  Both boys protested but Rick would have none of
their objections.  He concluded the disagreement by saying, "If you two
want to go to your room and pout ... or ..." (with a wink) "anything else
that arises, that's fine but I'm staying!  End of discussion!"

When Tom and Ann Peterson arrived home, they were surprised to find
Rick in the living room watching the evening news on TV.  Rick
quickly hit the off button on the remote, rose from his chair, and said,
"Sorry to have made myself at home but I brought the boys home from
school and thought it best to stay here until you got home."

Tom immediately sensed there was something Rick was not saying and
asked, "Has there been more trouble?"

"Almost," Rick answered.  "But maybe the boys ought to tell you about
it.  They're in their room.  And ... ah ... it might be good to call to them
rather than interrupt their ... ah ... homework."

"We know the drill," Tom laughed.  He stepped to the end of the
hallway and called, "Todd, Stu, can you join us in the living room?"

The boys came promptly, having completed their love-making almost
an hour before.

"Are you all right?" Ann Peterson said with maternal concern obvious.

"Yes," Todd said.  "We're just fine."

Tom said, "Rick says you might have something to tell us.  All he
would say is there was almost more trouble today.  What does that
mean?"

Todd related the events of the ride home from school, including ample
praise for Rick for being alert enough to notice Jacob following them.


At the Police Station, Jacob was allowed to call his parents.  "Dad," he
said on the phone.  "I need you to come to the Police Station and post
bail for me.  Seems like I missed a court date on a speeding ticket.
When can you be here?"

A thoroughly exasperated father replied, "Tomorrow.  After work.  I
warned you to drive carefully and about the consequences of not going
to court.  Perhaps a night in jail will give you time to think about being
responsible."

"But, Dad...."

"But nothing!  You've screwed up one time too many.  I'll bail you out
... this time ... but don't count on me if you ever screw up again."

Jacob was going to plead -- something contrary to his nature -- but the
line went dead; his father had hung up.

He was taken to the juvenile detention facility and escorted to a jail cell
where he was introduced to his cell-mate, a short, thin, 15-year-old boy
named Tim.  Tim was a fiesty lad with an `in-your-face' attitude.  The
clash of personalities was inevitable.


CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Jacob felt a chill down his spine as the cell door slammed shut, making a
loud, metallic sound that signaled the interruption of his `top of the
heap' role as macho football star.  Being locked up with a scrawny little
kid only intensified his frustration and misery.

"Dinner at six, lights out at ten," the burly guard said curtly as he walked
away.

Tim ignored his new cellmate and yelled, "You call that slop dinner?  It
looks and tastes like somebody's already eaten it."  He then rolled over
in his bunk, turning his back to Jacob.  It was not the sort of deference
Jacob was used to getting from his cadre of subordinate friends.  Every
mean-spirited fiber of his being demanded that he establish dominance
over the smaller boy whose only manly characteristic was his loud
mouth.

"Tiny Tim!  Get your ass up into the top bunk!  I'm taking the bottom."
It really didn't matter to Jacob which bunk he took; it would only be one
night, anyway.  But he had to make it clear at the outset that he was in
charge.  Tim didn't move; he didn't speak, which infuriated Jacob.
"Hey, asshole!  I'm talking to you.  Get your skinny ass outta my bunk.
NOW!"

"Wrong, Jake-off," Tim said without turning around.  "I was here first
and I'm staying where I'm at.  You got a problem with that, file a
complaint with the warden."

The insolence was too much for Jacob.  He grabbed an arm and a leg
and yanked him out of the bunk.  Tim landed with a thud on the hard
floor but sprang up with fists and feet flying faster than Jacob could
mount a defense.  Before he could do anything, he was doubled up on
the floor.  A firm kick to his abdomen had knocked the wind out of him.
An expertly aimed punch to the nose caused it to bleed.  There was a
sharp pain in his jaw where another of the rapid-fire punches landed.

When Jacob was finally able to struggle to his feet, he saw Tim standing
there gloating.  "You little pile of shit!" Jacob snarled.  "Nobody does
that to me and gets away with it!"  He lashed out with a fist at the
offending grin on Tim's face.  But the face was not there when the fist
should have made contact.  Tim had dodged the blow, grabbed Jacob's
arm, and used his opponent's momentum to send him sprawling of the
floor.

Jacob looked up at the figure that now seemed to tower above him.
Confused, embarrassed, and in pain, he tried to think of a way to get
revenge.  Before he could plan his attack, however, the guard was at the
cell door demanding, "What the hell is going on?"

"Nothing," Tim said innocently.  "We were just practicing some judo
moves."

"That right, Jacob?" the jailer asked.

The jock had to choose.  He could agree with Tim's explanation or
admit that a scrawny kid had taken him down ... twice.  "That's right,"
he grumbled.

"Well cut it out!" the guard barked.  "And clean up the blood on the
floor before dinner time.  I'll check on you then.  If you need medical
attention for that bloody nose, let me know."

When the guard returned to his post, Tim said, "Thanks for not snitching
on me.  It could have meant more time in this hell hole."

Jacob ignored the appreciation and said, "So tell me.  Where'd you learn
how to fight like that?"

"On the street.  Had to.  Little guys don't have a chance unless they can
defend themselves.  Now, you wanna negotiate for the bottom bunk?"

"Negotiate?" Jacob asked, quite puzzled.

"Yeah.  You do me a favor and I'll let you have the bottom bunk."

"What kind of favor?"

Tim flashed a brief grin, the first time since their meeting each other.
"Here's the deal.  Take it or leave it.  I'm only doing this `cause you're a
hunk, understand?  When the lights go out and everything settles down,
we both crawl into the bottom bunk.  Okay so far?"

"I don't get it," Jacob replied.

"Don't suppose you would.  Yet.  Here's the rest.  We're naked, see?
And I get to run my hands all over your muscles.  Then I see what kind
of equipment you got between your legs and play with it a bit.  Now,
you get the picture?"

"Yeah.  And I don't like it," Jacob growled.  "You're a goddam fag."

"You're right about that.  And a damn good one.  That's why I'm here.
Soliciting in the park downtown.  Ever had a blow job?"

"Lots," Jacob said proudly.  "But from chicks, not from a queer like
you."

"I guar-en-damn-tee you.  You've never had a blow job like I give.  It
takes a guy to really satisfy another guy.  We know what feels good.
Ain't no cunt that knows that.  Believe me, you'll be in orbit by the time
I finish with you."

"Sorry, queer boy," Jacob said.  "I'd rather sleep in the top bunk.
ALONE!"

"You don't know what you're missing.  I charge a hundred bucks
outside.  Guys gladly pay it and come back for more ... even toss in an
extra twenty or fifty just `cause I'm so good.  Single guys, married guys,
gays, straights, they all know I'm the best."

"I said no way," Jacob said indignantly.  "Not with a fag and I certainly
wouldn't pay for it."

"I'm not asking you to pay.  I'm offering just `cause you're a hunk.  My
other customers are old and some are fat.  You're different.  You got a
body to admire.  I'm guessing that you've got a cock to admire, too.  I'm
offering just `cause I want to but you'd get a helluva lot of pleasure, too.
Think about it.  Nobody will ever know.  You'll get satisfaction you've
never had before."

Jacob frowned and climbed up into the top bunk.  He lay down
alternately astonished at Tim's fighting skills and his brazen offer.  Tim
lay down in the bottom bunk scheming over ways to win his cell mate's
agreement.  They didn't speak to each other until supper was delivered
to their cell.  It was so bad neither boy did more than taste it.  Only then
did they say anything.

"Gawd, that's awful," Jacob moaned.

"Yup," Tim grunted.  "Desert will be better, though."

"Desert?" Jacob asked.

"Tonight when the lights go out."

It took Jacob a while to figure out the meaning and then said, "I told
you!  No way are you gonna suck me off!"

"Let me know if you change your mind," Tim said blandly.

They returned to their bunks and were soon lost in their own thoughts.
Tim was convinced that Jacob was a gay-hater and there was little to no
chance of bedding him.  Jacob was depressed over being stuck overnight
in a smelly jail ... with a fag!  He was haunted by the most unpleasant
thought of letting a fag have his way with him.  His mind turned to his
outside world where he was king of the hill.  All the guys respected his
athletic ability (`all' in his mind, anyway).  All the girls (in his mind)
dreamed of being seen with him, of being special to him, of giving
themselves -- even their virginity -- to him.  He'd fucked most of the
good looking girls that fawned over him.  A few were granted the
privilege of a second encounter.  One, Maria, was the embodiment of the
sexy Latino stereotype and had always taken a subordinate yet active
role in their sex play.

Ten o'clock.  A buzzer sounded.  Lights went out.  Except for a bit of
stray light from the dim bulb in the hallway, the cell block was quite
dark.  Less than ten minutes later, the cell block was quiet.  Jacob
returned to thinking of Maria.  His thoughts lingered on the many times
they had had sex.  Soon, his arousal increased.  His cock began to
inflate.  Unconsciously, he fondled himself until he was steel hard.
Then, only half aware that Tim was in the bunk below him, he started
slowly stroking his cock with the image of a naked, beautiful, and horny
Maria lodged in his mind, which made him extremely horny.  He had
just begun to stroke more vigorously when a quiet whisper startled him.
"Can I help you with that?"  He looked over to see Tim peering at him.

"What the hell," Jacob thought.  "He's a goddamn fag but I need to get
my rocks off bad and nobody will ever know."

"Get up here, whore boy," Jacob commanded (as it was not in his nature
to request).

Tim eagerly climbed into the top bunk, salivating at the thought of
enjoying Jacob's muscular body.  Tim was naked and hard.  He had
heard the unmistakable sounds of rhythmic noises above him and
delayed his intervention until he was reasonably certain Jacob was at his
point of least resistance.  He complimented himself on his timing as he
straddled Jacob's hips.  He gently pushed Jacob's hand away from the
throbbing cock and said, "Relax, big boy.  I'm going to give you the
time of your life."

Tim pulled Jacob's tee shirt up to his arm pits and his boxers down to his
knees.  The fervently homophobic jock almost protested but he had built
himself up to a level of sexual tension and he urgently needed to cum.

Tim gasped when he saw the rigid cock beneath him and wanted it in his
mouth right away but, with the discipline of an experienced cocksucker,
he resisted the urge.  There were other pleasures to enjoy first.  He
turned his attention to the admirably muscled torso and began to
massage the jock's slightly hairy, bulging pecs.  He knew he had to
bring Jacob along at just the right pace to allow maximum time to relish
his body without unnecessarily prolonging his prey's urge to ejaculate.
He toyed with the firm nipples until they were erect and then licked and
sucked them with the skills he had honed during years of servicing men
and boys.  Jacob was surprised at how erotic that was; previously, he had
thought that everything erotic and sexual was centered in his cock.

As Tim worked his magic on Jacob's chest and nipples, he would
periodically grind his hard-on against Jacob's to maintain and heighten
both of their arousals.  Jacob began to moan with pleasure.  Tim
demanded (for he was now in complete control) but in a hushed tone,
"Quiet!  The guard will hear you and come to make us stop.  That'll
leave you high and dry.  You don't want that, big boy."

Moments later, Tim slowly moved his roaming hands down toward the
ultimate objective.  Eventually, he shifted his body down over Jacob's
knees, just the right position to bend over and put his mouth to the
leaking cock below him.  But not yet.  He had to tease some more.
While he rubbed the inside of those firm thighs, he feasted his eyes of
the massive rod of meat that rose from a thick pubic bush.  He had to
restrain himself from immediately deep throating it but he had promised
a fantastic blow job and that would take a little more time.

"What the fuck are you waiting for?" Jacob hissed in a husky whisper.

"Patience!" Tim scolded.  "Give me time to do it right."

But Tim recognized that patience was not one of Jacob's virtues.  He
began to toy with those beautiful gonads that dangled in a wrinkled,
hairy sack.  Periodically, he would flick his tongue across the swollen
helmet to lap up the precum that was now oozing profusely.  Each
contact would cause Jacob to jerk and would boost his arousal to another
plateau.  Eventually, Tim turned his attention to Jacob's balls.  First he
licked.  Then he took one at a time into his mouth to fondle it with his
lips and tongue.  Jacob was writhing and trying to stifle his moans.

"Shut up!" Tim commanded, now fully confident that his control over
Jacob was irreversible.

Tim felt he could have spent hours relishing the access to a muscular
teen's body and cock.  But he knew he couldn't.  Jacob's urge to cum
would mount to unbearable strength.  Just as significantly, his own lust
was heightened by the sight, the feel, the taste, and the aroma of Jacob's
crotch.  He therefore launched into the final phase.  He licked his way
slowly from the base of the cock to the tip and wrapped his lips around
the engorged head.

Jacob wanted to scream in delight but he obediently conformed to Tim's
demand of silence.

Gradually, more and more of Jacob's cock disappeared into Tim's
warm, moist mouth.  Then he began what Jacob had so impatiently
awaited; first slowly and with increasing pace, Tim slid his proficient
lips up and down the spit-slickened shaft.  Jacob began to buck his hips
to fuck Tim's mouth.  But Tim would have none of that.  He raised his
head and snarled, "Stop it!  We're doing it my way or no way!"

Nobody had told Jacob what to do or not to do for years, which explains
the rift with his father.  Except, of course, the football coach but he
obeyed the coach only because it secured his position on the team.  Now,
however, he was a puppet handled by a boy who was younger, much
smaller, and a fag.  None of that mattered at the moment; the only thing
that consumed his mind was the intense pleasure he was experiencing
and his impending ejaculation.

Tim knew Jacob couldn't last very long and he had to achieve his own
climax quickly so he vigorously jerked himself as he continued to suck
on Jacob's cock.  He skillfully delayed Jacob's orgasm by strategic
pauses in sucking until he felt himself on the brink.  He noticed that
Jacob's boxers were still around his knees and a malicious thought
entered his mind.  He deposited several blasts of his own cum on Jacob's
boxers as he continued to piston the gay-hater's cock in and out of his
mouth.

Jacob couldn't control himself.  He moaned again.  Tim immediately
stopped, moved up to put his face within inches of Jacob's and growled
menacingly, "For the last time.  Shut up!  One more sound out of you
and I quit.  Understand?"

Jacob grabbed his pillow and bit down on a corner to muffle any further
moans.  Tim grinned with satisfaction and returned to complete the job
he had started.

Not long after, both boys got their reward.  Jacob had the most intense
orgasm of his life as several volleys of hot cum erupted from his cock.
Tim happily got a mouthful of creamy nectar that he thoroughly savored
before swallowing.

When Jacob recovered from his orgiastic high, Tim was gone.  He lay
there reflecting on what had just happened.  Being sucked off by a fag
was not so bad, after all.  In fact, it was, he hated to admit, the best
orgasm he had ever had.  Tim was right.  A guy knows what to do.  He
lay awake for a long time pondering a dilemma.  He still hated fags but
he gradually came to realize that they could give more pleasure that any
girl he had fucked or that had gone down on him.

"FUCK!" echoed throughout the cell block.  Jacob had pulled up his
boxers and found the front was cold, wet, and sticky.  Tim knew the
reason for the outburst and chuckled silently to himself.


CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Todd and Stu, who knew nothing of Jacob's night in jail and still assumed
that the Police Officer had simply driven off, were especially wary as Rick
drove them to school the next day.  During school, each of them would
occasionally see one of Jacob's gang in class or in the hall but there were
no words passed between them.  The goons would only glare at them,
which maintained their sense of anxiety.


On Saturday, Rick drove Stu to school to serve his detention.  Todd rode
along, fulfilling his commitment to stay by Stu's side in case of trouble.
Todd insisted on picking up Stu at noon, arguing, "Jacob and his gang
would not expect us to be at school on a Saturday.  Besides, we have to go
to the mall this afternoon.  We'll be safe."

Rick objected strenuously.  "Can't be too safe," he said.  "I have nothing
to do this afternoon and I'd feel better if I were with you.  I'm not much of
a body guard but it's something I really want to do."

"Thanks," Todd said.  "But we'll be all right."

Stu effectively ended the argument by saying, "You told me to keep
saying what's on my mind.  Right?  Well, we like you and you're a great
guy.  But we don't want an old man ... sorry, an adult ... chaperoning us.
We'll be in a crowd and totally safe."

`Okay," Rick said reluctantly.  "I get it.  But keep your eyes open.  Don't
take any chances."  A few moments later, he said, "So.  Are you getting
anything at the mall or just hanging out?"  The boys looked at each other
and giggled.  "What's so funny?  I was just curious, that's all."

Todd said, "Well ... since you've been so good to both of us, I guess you
deserve to be the first to know.  We're buying commitment rings for each
other.  We've decided to be a couple and not just boyfriends."

"Marvelous!" Rick exclaimed.  "I wish you enough."

The boys looked at each other and exchanged puzzled looks.  Stu said,
"Enough?  What the hell does that mean?"

Rick laughed and said, "It's from something I read a long time ago.  I
don't remember all of it but the essence is: I wish you enough sun to keep
your attitude bright even on gray days but enough rain to appreciate the
sun ... enough pain to make even small pleasures joyful ... enough gain to
satisfy your wanting and enough loss to make you appreciate what you
have ... and most of all enough happiness to keep your love alive and
everlasting."

"That's sweet," Todd said and Stu enthusiastically agreed, adding, "And
we wish the same for you and Stan."


The teens went first to the jewelry store in the mall where a middle-aged
man asked if he could help them.  "We'd like to see your selection of
commitment rings," Todd replied.

"Commitment rings?" the officious salesman asked.  "I don't know what
you mean."

"Plain gold bands," Todd replied, regretting that he had not asked for that
in the first place.

"Oh," the salesman said.  "You mean wedding bands.  For your
girlfriends?  Are you getting married?"

Stu, outspoken as usual, said, "No!  For each other!  One for him and one
for me."

"I don't understand," the flustered salesman stammered.

Stu ignored the poke in his ribs from Todd and said assertively, "It's
simple enough.  We're committing to each other.  We're gay.  We're
going to be life partners.  Do you have a problem with that?"

The salesman sputtered, "Oh ... Well ... Ahh ... That is ...  I'm sorry, but all
we have is fine jewelry for normal couples."

"Are you calling us abnormal?" Stu said loudly enough that the store
manager and two other customers heard him and turned their heads to
stare.

The manager quickly walked over and asked, "Is there a problem,
gentlemen?"

"There definitely is," Stu replied in a calmer voice.  "This bigot here
refused to help us because we're gay.  I would think that you would have
instructed your help to keep their prudish beliefs to themselves.  Come on,
Todd, we'll take our business elsewhere."

As they turned to walk out, the manager said, "Wait!  I'll be pleased to
help you."

"Too little, too late," Stu called back over his shoulder as the boys walked
out of the store.  Once outside, he turned to Todd and asked, "Are you
ashamed of me?  Embarrassed?  Angry?"

"No," Todd grinned.  "You said what I was thinking.  I just hope the ass
hole is fired or punished so that the next gay couple will be treated
decently.  I'm just glad you didn't kick him in the nuts like you did to
Jacob."  They both laughed and continued on their way.

In the next jewelry store, the experience was much more pleasant.  The
saleslady even understood what a commitment ring was and offered her
congratulations.  After making their selection the saleslady asked if they
would like an engraving inside the ring.  The boys had not thought about
that.  After a short discussion, they agreed on something simple but
meaningful:  SB TP enough.

"Enough?" the puzzled saleslady asked.

"It's a long story." Todd replied with amusement at her confusion.

"Very well," she smiled.  "They should be ready for you by Wednesday.
Thank you, gentlemen.  May happiness be your companion."

"Thank you!" both teens said and giggled because they had said it in
unison.

"For your help, of course," Stu said.  "But mostly for your understanding
and kind wishes."

They browsed around several stores at the mall until their stomachs
reminded them that they had had no lunch.  In the food court, they were
enjoying their pizza and soda when Todd said, "Don't turn around and
look but Jacob and two of his buddies are heading this way."

"Have they seen us?" Stu asked.

"They just did.  They're just standing talking to each other now."

Stu said, "We could go out the door behind you and then run like hell for
your car."

"No," Todd replied.  "We're safer in here around all these people.  We'll
have to think of something else."

They had no time to think because Jacob and his friends were walking
directly toward their table.  "Shit!" Todd whispered.  "There coming
straight this way."

"Ignore `em," Stu suggested.

"Hi, guys," Jacob said brightly as he stopped right next to their table.
"Care if we join you?"

Both Todd and Stu were astonished at the friendly greeting but very
suspicious.

"It's a free country," Todd said perhaps too sarcastically.

"But you'll have to watch your mouth," Stu added forcefully.

The three jocks went to get their burgers, fries, and drinks while Todd and
Stu discussed possible ways of getting the hell out of there.  Nothing
occurred to them.

When the newcomers sat down with their food, the two young lovers
dreaded what they knew would befall them as soon as they left the Mall.
There was a stony silence for several minutes while the jocks dug into
their meal.  Stu recognized that his might be their best chance to escape
while the three bullies were eating.  "I'm suddenly not hungry," Stu said
to Todd.  "Shall we go?"

Jacob immediately said, "Wait a minute.  I'd like to tell you something."

"Another threat?" Stu asked icily.

"Not at all," Jacob said.  "Look, I was pissed when you kicked me the
other day.  It hurt like hell.  But I've had time to think about it.  I decided
that if I were in your position, I'd probably do the same thing.  Course I'd
have done it harder `cause I'm bigger.  Fact is, I don't blame you.  No
hard feelings?"

Stu stared at Jacob, trying to comprehend the very surprising change of
attitude.  Jacob broke the silence.  "Come on, let's forget about it.  Let's
be friends."

This was too much for either Stu or Todd to believe.  They wanted to but
couldn't.  Stu said, "Look.  We're gay and you're a bigot.  We could never
be friends.  Whether we're enemies is entirely your choice.  Let's go,
Todd.  I need some fresh air."

Stu got up to leave; Todd followed suit.  They disappeared into the crowd
outside the food court and ducked into a department store.  They
cautiously made their way to Todd's car.  As they got in, Todd said, "Can
you believe it?  Jacob was actually friendly."

"I don't believe it for a minute, Todd.  He's just playing mind games with
us.  He's out for blood.  He fed us a line of shit back there just to win our
confidence and get us to drop our guard.  Then he could trap us and get his
revenge."


Back in the food court, one of Jacob's goons said to him, "I don't get it.
You said be nice and we were.  Why?"

Jacob glared back and said, "I have my reasons, shit head, and I don't
have to explain them to you."

The questioning teen was accustomed to Jacob's chiding and knew that
he'd better not raise the subject again if he wanted to remain in the clique.
What he didn't know and Jacob was unwilling to explain was what
happened in the jail cell and the transforming effect it had on the macho
jock's attitude.

How could Jacob admit that he had willingly accepted a blow job from a
fag and that he thoroughly enjoyed it?  They wouldn't understand even if
he explained how the experience had affected him.  He had agonized over
the experience throughout a virtually sleepless night in the jail cell.
Getting a blow job from a fag was distressing but it pained him to admit
that he enjoyed it more than any sexual conquest with a girl.  That
troubled him deeply because it was contrary to everything he had been
taught about homosexuality.  His stress level rose as he tried to answer
two questions.  If gay sex was enjoyable, how could it be disgusting?
Since he enjoyed it, did that make him filthy?

After extensive reflection on the reality of his gay experience, he came to
two conclusions.  First, gay sex was, as he had been taught, unnatural and
immoral.  The second conclusion, astonishingly, was that he no longer
thought it was disgusting..  That was extremely difficult for Jacob, a
fervent homophobe, to accept.  (Although he didn't consciously recognize
it, re-evaluating gay sex was a way to alleviate his tormented conscience --
if it was that good, he could excuse himself for enjoying it.)

After prolonged struggling, he resolved the dilemma.  He would conform
to the dictates of his religion and would continue to disapprove of gay
relationships. His conscience would be clear by living straight.  However,
he would not persecute gays.  Instead, he would let them suffer their
damnation in Hell.  None of that could he tell his friends.  They would
ridicule him for his religious faith and his tolerance of perverts.  Most
likely, they would reconsider their loyalty to him and possibly abandon
him.  The thought of losing his friends caused Jacob to think even more
deeply.  Was his cadre of loyalists really friends?  Or were they just
hangers-on, feeding his insatiable ego and contributing to his conceit?
Had he become addicted to their adulation?  Yes, he decided, his "friends"
were no more than status-seekers, relishing the `prestige' of associating
with a star athlete.  But he would not give up his role as leader of the pack;
it felt good -- as good as leading the football team on the field.  There
would be time, after finishing his senior year of high school, to find real
friends.


The school year ended without Jacob having a chance to assure Stu
and Todd that he would neither seek revenge nor persecute them for
being gay.  In fact, they never saw each other again since Todd and
Stu graduated before the end of Jacob's suspension from school.
That's just as well; they wouldn't have believed Jacob anyway.


Each graduating student was allowed two tickets to the commencement
ceremony.  Todd's choice was easy; his Mom and Dad would attend.
Stu's choice was both easy and painful.  One ticket would be given to
Rick, who had been so helpful to them and was a favorite "uncle."  He
agonized over what to do with the second ticket, however.  He wanted his
Dad to attend but was afraid that offering it to him would only precipitate
a barrage of condemnation for aberrant sexuality.  With graduation only
days away, he decided to make one last effort to reconcile with his Dad,
hoping that the graduation ceremony might please him and soften his
bitter feelings.

With Todd at his side, he phoned his Dad.  "Hi, Dad.  This is Stu."

"Stu who?" his father growled.

"Your son!  I called to invite you to ..."

"Son?" his father barked, interrupting Stu.  "I ain't got no son!  `Specially
no fag son!"

Undaunted, Stu continued, "Would you please come to graduation?  I'd
like ..."

The man interrupted again and said, "I told you, you goddamn pervert,
you ain't no son of mine and I ain't comin' to no graduation.  You can go
to hell.  Which is just where you belong."

[Click]  The line went dead when Stu's Dad hung up.

Stu stared at the phone.  The conversation was just what he expected ...
and feared.  He broke down and sobbed on his lover's shoulder for several
minutes while Todd held him tightly.  No words could console the
distraught young man but the hug might at least let him know he was not
alone and was loved.

An hour later, Stu had regained his composure and had decided what to do
with the remaining ticket.  He put it in an envelope with a note: "Please,
Dad.  I love you and would like you to attend graduation.  I know you
don't approve of my being gay but maybe you can at least be proud of my
graduating."  He signed it, "Love forever, Stu," put it in the envelope with
the ticket, and said to Todd, "Would you come with me to deliver this?
Dad's gone to work but I can slip it under the front door.  I know he won't
come but I've got to try one more time."

Todd's parents (or, more accurately, the parents of both Todd and Stu
since they regarded both teens as their sons and Stu accepted the role)
attended the high school graduation along with Rick, all of whom were
extraordinarily proud of the two "misfits" whose maturity, character, and
wisdom surpassed virtually all of their classmates.

During the graduation ceremony, Stu didn't hear a word of the various
speeches.  Instead, he was scanning the audience with the hope of seeing
his Dad.  His hopes were futile.

After the ceremony, the Petersons hosted a private celebration at home
where they and Rick toasted the graduates with Champaign, congratulated
them on their achievement and, significantly, wished them well as a
couple.

The adults astonished the two young men with a graduation present -- a
Hawaiian cruise complete with two airline tickets to Hawaii.

The flabbergasted teens objected strenuously, claiming that it was far too
expensive.

"Not at all," Tom Peterson replied.  "The three of us have an ulterior
motive.  It's an all gay cruise and we want you to feel like you're not the
outcasts and deviants that some of the students in school think you are.
What's more, we hope you meet some gays who can give you good advice
on living together as a couple.  In that sense, it's a continuation of your
education ... and insurance that you'll be happy together."

Mrs. Peterson added with a chuckle, "Think of it as a honeymoon," which
brought another round of best wishes for the happy couple.

The boys' hugs and gratitude dominated the next several minutes before
Stu (outspoken as always) said, "Aren't you afraid it'll be just one long
orgy with all the gays there?"

Todd was stunned by the bold question; he hadn't thought of the
possibility.  But the adults laughed.  Mr. Peterson replied, "Not at all, Stu.
We discussed it before making the reservations but the unanimous
conclusion was that you and Todd are responsible enough to decline any
offers from other passengers who try to hit on you."

Rick added, "We agreed that the possibility was remote but -- just in case -
- we've got a sort of "going away" present."  He retrieved a wrapped
package from the bookcase and handed it to Stu who, uncharacteristically,
was at a loss for words.

"Aren't you going to open it?" Rick asked.

Tentatively and puzzled at what might be inside, Stu began to unwrap the
package.  Before he could finish, he exclaimed, "Oh, My God!" and
clumsily tried to re-wrap the package.

"What is it?" Todd asked.

With a crimson face and trembling hands, Stu handed the package to Todd
who peeked inside and immediately blushed.  It was a half-dozen boxes of
condoms.

Todd's Dad quickly said, "We don't think you'll need them.  And we're
certainly not encouraging you to use them but we don't want you coming
home with ... shall we say ... a health problem."

Both Stu and Todd were overcome with emotion at the acceptance of their
relationship, by the trust in their judgment, by the unqualified love, and by
the sincere wishes for a long and loving partnership.


EPILOG
(a.k.a., the "happy-ever-after" end of the story)

Stu would periodically bemoan the severed relationship with his father but
became more comfortable living with his new family.  After the cruise, he
and Todd worked through the remaining summer months for a landscaping
company by day and were rarely apart evenings and weekends.  They
expressed their love for each other every night in bed.  More often than
not, their expression of love included sexual intimacy.  Their parents were
delighted that the boys had formed a loving bond.

Although Stu initially objected, he ultimately agreed to the Peterson's
urging to attend UCLA with Todd and yielded to their insistence on
paying college expenses for both of their "sons."  Throughout their college
years and beyond, they were successful and very devoted to each other.

Before the summer was over, Rick moved in with Stan and put his own
condominium up for sale.  Rick was initially a reluctant mentor but he and
Stan evolved into devoted "uncles" and would frequently take their
"nephews" on camping trips and other outings ... except of course, when
Rick and Stan took one of their increasingly frequent globe-trotting
excursions.


The end